This is a site to share my birding experiences! I am passionate about birding and hope that this may inspire others to explore the world of birds too!!

BIRDER

Sunday, November 17, 2013

It's a bit Ruff

This weekend I headed to my local wetland to check on the arrival of the summer waders.

at 6am my friend Chris and I were walking along the track armed with our binoculars and cameras to see the first wader of the day which turned out to be a Wood's Sandpiper. Very nice.

The second wader of the morning was found a few seconds later, a Ruff! We enjoyed some time trying to photograph it in the early morning light. It was not bothered by out presence however it did not come in close and most of the time preferred feeding in the shade.

Ruff at sunrise

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper numbers are increasing.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

Purple Swamphen

Immature Willy Wagtail

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

I returned to the wetland in the late afternoon and at sunset the Ruff flew in closer. I only managed to take a few photos before it retreated back to a small island.

Kay Parkin

Kay Parkin

Do you want to start bird watching?

Birding is a great hobby and can be done easily and without much expense. You can simply go for a walk and take note of the birds you see! If you are new to birding you may not know what the birds are called so I'd suggest carrying a note book so you can make some notes on their colour, size and markings so you can then identify them when you get home.

To identify them you can use an Australian Bird Field Guide - I'd suggest Pizzey, otherwise you can use a website which has photos of Australian birds such as www.bushpea.com

You can start listing every species of bird that you see. You will be surprised at how quickly your total increases. It is so much fun and you could encourage your family and friends to join you.

You will need a pair of binoculars - 10 x 40 is a good size. I use Nikon Monarch but try them out in the shop to get a light pair that suits you.

Birder

About Me

I have a passion for conservation and am obsessed with birding. I gained my Bachelor of Conservation in 1995.
I have worked for National Parks, The Investigator Science Centre, Adelaide Zoo and Uni SA's Environmental Science Dept.
My passion is interpreting Conservation in order for people to understand and want to protect the environment.